Tapu Fini
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Tapu Fini is the fourth guardian deity to be introduced into Pokemon Go, but is also unfortunately one of the least valuable in the PvE scene. Not only are a ton of strong Water-type Pokemon already in the game, but Tapu Fini doesn't even break 200 ATK. Its high DEF stat makes it more appealing for PvP however.
Offense
- Water Gun is recommended for PvE offense, and is significantly easier to obtain for a STAB Fast Move.
- Hidden Power is a downgrade, and it is not worth raiding for multiple Tapu Finis for the chance to get Water-type Hidden Power. Hidden Power Fairy also doesn't exist, so there's no way to farm for a Fairy Type Fast Move, though some Hidden Power types can synergize with Fairy enough to be worthy of consideration if you're lucky,
- Surf is the best Charge Move available, and as a 2-bar move is also the most consistent.
- Hydro Pump is less consistent, as Tapu Fini might faint with a lot of energy before it can use its Charge Move.
- Nature's Madness* benefits from STAB, but Tapu Fini lacks a Fairy-type Fast Move to synergize with it.
- Moonblast is a lesser option when compared to Nature's Madness.
- Ice Beam is better suited for Ice-type Pokemon.
Water Gun is an average fast move, but has STAB and greater energy gain than Hidden Power.
Surf is mandatory due to its cheap cost and solid DPE. Nature's Madness is an incredible move that grants Tapu Fini a more reliable Fairy STAB than Moonblast and extra utility thanks to its Defense debuff. However, Moonblast does provide a higher DPE, which makes it a viable option if you do not have access to Nature's Madness. Ice Beam offers coverage against Grass-type Pokemon, although it is usually outclassed by Nature's Madness due to the wider utility of the latter. Hydro Pump is redundant with Surf around.
Tapu Fini can be obtained in Great League by rerolling for very low IVs by trading. In terms of performance, Tapu Fini is quite similar to Azumarill due to their shared incredible typing and similar moves. It is a fair bit more fragile, having only about 80% of Azumarill's overall stat product. However, its moveset is overall more aggressive and offers more consistent damage than Azumarill's. Thanks to Nature's Madness's Defense debuff, Tapu Fini further offers utility that Azumarill does not have, being less punished by shields than Azumarill. Tapu Fini shines best in formats where Azumarill is banned, although it is nonetheless a viable replacement even in open Great League. Note that while Primarina exists as yet another Water/Fairy Pokemon, its role is significantly different due its access to Charm.
